These murder mysteries are constructed to encourage the guests at the event to mingle between tables. Although a cast is present who act out the mystery, most of the evidence is contained within written clues which are provided to each table.

During the night your guests watch 5-6 acted out scenes (rounds), and have two sets of table clues given to them. These rounds are not evenly spread throughout the night.

The table clues given out during the mystery by the cast member acting as the facilitator need to be shared between the tables in order for the mystery to be solved.

There are guest instructions which should be copied and given to each table. The instruction sheet provides the guests with information they need to go about solving the crime. There is also an answer sheet which should be copied and given to each team. Once the guests have decided who did it, how and why (i.e. the murderer, means and motive) they will complete the answer sheet and hand it in.

The mystery closes when the solution is provided. Expect the mystery to take around 2 hours to complete.

Format of Event – i.e. how this all comes together and works!

It is up to the host whether you wish to announce the “game” element of the evening, or whether you simply want the murder mystery to be a surprise.

All the information the guests require to solve the case is contained within the table clues. No cross examining of the cast members is required, which means the cast only have to learn their lines, which for most, are minimal.

Once a team thinks they have the solution they fill in an answer sheet and hand this back in, either to a drop box, or to some nominated person. It is up to the host to decide if these answer sheets will be used to give out prizes, and how this will be decided, e.g. first correct solution handed in, or quickest time, etc.

Alternatively you may simply want your “inspector character” to ask for answers from each team verbally before providing the solution.

Your job as host

As host it is your job to make sure everyone is comfortable with what they are being asked to do, and that the event passes off without a hitch.

Make sure you have adequate time to prepare for the event, that all cast are happy with their scripts, and that anything else you plan to run at the same time as the mystery e.g. refreshments, has been adequately thought through.

As a general guide the event can be run in this way:

Round 1 – before the guests are served with their first course.
Round 2 – after the first course and before clearing the plates.
Round 3– after the main course and before clearing the plates.
Round 4 – before dessert.
Round 5 – during / after coffee and mints.

If you have decided to award prizes to the winning and losing teams, think about how you will do this if more than one team reaches the right answer, or if no teams get the solution. Will you award on closest match? Or will you have a deciding question up your sleeve.

Running a large group murder mystery is really not as difficult to do as you might think, and if you get stuck why not email us? We’re here to help after all!

Finally and most importantly: Have fun!